Scott Dunlap's blog of trail running, ultrarunning, triathlon, and other life adventures. I enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of outdoor events and the chance to meet cool people. This blog contains interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

The Na Pali Coast in Kaua'i, Hawaii

I stole away for an afternoon on Kaua'i, Hawaii, to run/hike the 11-mile Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast this last week. Although the trail was quite technical (often too technical or overgrown to run), it was a worthy adventure!

The Kalalau Trail is at the northern point of Kaua'i, about an hours drive from Lihue Airport, literally at the end of the highway. It's a popular tourist destination, so best to hit it as soon as the sun comes up. You can day hike up to six miles into the 11-mile trail, but need a permit to go farther (not that anyone was checking). 80% of the tourist traffic stops at mile 2, and all the naked fun starts at mile 6, so I found eight miles and back to be plenty.

(Shot from the Na Pali Coast from the air, photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

(The rugged coastline made for amazing views)

(The trail was quite rocky in some sections)

(There were a few runnable sections, like this one about 3 miles in)

(Vegetation was thick!)

(The 11-mile trail crossed over five valleys)

(The beach at mile 2 had mysterious stone stacks everywhere)

(This spear stood above the highest point on the trail)

(The creeks were amazing!)

(The Hanakapi'ai Falls well worth the extra mile)

(I got no less than three invites to get naked and join the party...it's a big thing out here)

(Hang on! It gets a little slick...)

All in all, it turned out to be a whole day effort. Don't rely on your GPS - mine came up about 50% short. I didn't quite make it to the end of the trail (ran out of food and water), but would definitely do it again!

Great shots, Scott... there's no place else quite like the Na Pali Coast, and as you said that's a TOUGH trail to run. Several years ago there used to be a group of feral kittens/cats that hung out at the beach along the way... do you know if they're still living there?

Thanks for sharing this. Quick question. I want to run/hike this one day with my friends... One of them has mild vertigo and says he's worried he'll have to crawl some sections (based on stuff he read). I've said he's over-reacting. Curious as to your thoughts.

About Me

I'm a technology entrepreneur who took up trail running and triathloning back in 2001 to get off the work treadmill and see a bit more of the outdoors. I also love to eat, so the exercise helps me justify those extra helpings. ;oP I'm always interested in learning more about trail running - please comment and link away!

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